Personal Protective Equipment PPE Categories of PPE l

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Categories of PPE l l l Respiratory protection Chemical protective clothing (CPC) Monitoring equipment

4 Levels of PPE l Level A – l Level B – l Supplied air respirator, with adequate splash protection Level C – l Supplied air respirator, with a fully encapsulated vapor tight suit. Air purifying respirator, with adequate splash protection Level D – No respiratory protection, with adequate nuisance protection

Level B PPE l Most likely the PPE for decon

Definition of Level B l l l Highest level of respiratory protection Lesser level of skin protection than Level A Can be totally encapsulated, but not vapor tight

Components of Level-B CPC l l l Pressure-demand, full facepiece, self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), or Pressure-demand supplied air respirator with NIOSH approved escape SCBA Hooded chemical-resistant clothing that meets the requirements of the current NFPA Standard – Overalls & long-sleeved jacket, coveralls, one or two-piece chemical-splash suit, disposable chemical resistant overalls

Components of Level-B CPC l l l l Coveralls* Gloves, outer, chemical-resistant Gloves, inner, chemical-resistant Boots, outer, chemical-resistant, steel toe and shank Boot-covers, outer, chemical-resistant (disposable)* Hard hat Two-way radios (worn inside encapsulating suit) Face shield* *optional

Medical Considerations for Chemical Protective Clothing l l Most common cause of injury to hazmat workers is heat stress Working in CPC can be a hostile work environment – Limited visibility, mobility, flexibility and a hot humid environment

Stresses of Encapsulating Garments Physiological Factors l l Lack of physical fitness, lack of familiarity, anxiety, age, dehydration, obesity, personal habits, illness, sunburn, diarrhea and disease Effects of Cold Exposure – Frostbite and hypothermia

CPC & Heat Related Illness l l Wearing CPC causes temp increase Body can’t cool itself – – l CPC prevents air circulation Sweating can’t cool the body CPC is a hostile environment

Heat Related Illnesses l l l Heat Rash Heat Cramps Heat Stress

Heat Related Illnesses (cont) l l Heat Exhaustion Heat Stroke (Sunstroke)

Treatment of Heat Illnesses l l l Remove to shaded area and cool Consider intravenous therapy Maintain vital signs, re-hydrate & cool patient Continue to monitor patient Transport to nearest medical facility if needed

Medical Monitoring l l Not legally required Is an industry standard Reduces chances of heat related injuries Does take time

Pre-Entry & Post-Entry Vitals l l Document all pre-entry and post-entry vitals Establish a record keeping system

Heat-Related Illness Prevention l l Prevention is the goal Monitor workers with pre-entry and post-entry vitals

Heat Illness Prevention Tactics l l l Fluid replacement Work mission duration Rest periods

Fluid Replacement l l Water is best fluid replacement Fruit juices & electrolyte solutions valuable Encourage workers to drink both Avoid salt tablets or carbonated drinks

Work Mission Duration l Dependent upon a number of factors – – – Travel and decontamination times Environmental conditions Workload CPC Limitations of the personnel themselves

Rest Periods l l l Provide adequate rest periods Measure/test rest period durations in training Other items to consider – Anticipated work levels, environmental conditions, type of protective garments, individual workers’ characteristics and fitness, and medical monitoring results

Summary l l l FROs conduct responder decon in Level B Not something most FROs do regularly Wearing CPC can dangerous Monitoring responders is recommended Heat-related injuries can be prevented